HED is five years old this month and to celebrate we have three very special line-ups at the Mad Ferret.

THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH

KING CHARLES (from London)
http://www.myspace.com/kingcharlesukThe band stormed the Mad Ferret back in May to a packed out crowd. They have since appeared at Glastonbury, Beatherder, Latitude and Bestival. It is an intriguing mix of Davendra-esque alt folk teamed with lively psyche workouts - led by a fantastic, enigmatic frontman. They are sure to bring the house down!

SPARROW AND THE WORKSHOP (from Glasgow)
http://www.myspace.com/sparrowandtheworkshopSigned to Distiller Records they have toured extensively with the likes of Idlewild, Brian Jonestown Massacre and British Sea Power. They are appearing at many festivals including Green Man, Bestival, Hop Farm etc. Their debut album ‘Crystals Fall’ received critical acclaim and is seen as one of the best albums of 2010.

THOMAS TRUAX (from New York, USA)
http://www.myspace.com/thomastruaxLong time friend to HED, Truax returns with his eclectic array of musical contraptions. When he performs, it is a spectacle - the originality and seeming impossibility of what he does is much of the appeal.There's always a feeling you're listening to something different, something knowingly funny, and something very very special.

IVAN CAMPO (from Preston)
http://www.myspace.com/ivancampoIvan Campo play their first show at the Mad Ferret in 2010. The trio of guitar wielding minstrels offer ethereal and unpretentious experiments in heartfelt wonder. They are fresh from appearing at Secret Garden Party Festival and will soon release their latest EP entitled 'What Went Wrong' - it is an absolute humdinger.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 20TH

DRUM EYES (from Brighton)
http://www.myspace.com/drumeyesFeaturing DJ Scotch Egg... Drum Eyes represent one of the stronger proponents of what could be called the next generation of krautrock. Their brooding, maximalist rock compositions flex strange sonic muscles. Mid-tempo atmospheric assaults build to crescendo, feeding into luxuriant dystopian soundscapes.

SKY LARKIN (from Leeds)
http://www.myspace.com/skylarkinskylarkinSigned to Witchita Records (Los Campensinos, The Cribs, Best Coast) this female led indie three-piece release their next album later this month - recorded by alt.rock godhead John Goodmanson (Pavement/Sleater-Kinney/The Blood Brothers). They will follow that with a headline UK tour in September.

GIDEON CONN (from Manchester)
http://www.myspace.com/gideonconnOften playing solo in the past... Gideon will be bringing his full band along for this special show. Fusing hip hop, rap and indie music... Gideon is one hell of a showman who you can't help but warm to. They release their debut album 'New Bop Sounds' this month and appear at V Festival the following day.

OTTERSGEAR (from Lancaster)
http://www.myspace.com/ottersgearMikey Kenny and his ever rotating band of talented musicians return to the Mad ferret. Their first EP release featured a cavalcade of folk themes and mythological metaphors. It is an eclectic mix of violin, guitar, hand drums and reed organ teamed with Mikey’s askew folk-pagan lyrics.

THE REDWINGS (from Preston)
http://www.myspace.com/theredwingsukThe Redwings return to the live scene for the first time since Jan 2008. The four-piece will be performing an acoustic set of new and old material. The band actually played the very first show I organised myself back in 2005 so it is great to have them back in the mix of things.

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SATURDAY AUGUST 21ST

NICE PETER (from Los Angeles, USA)
http://www.myspace.com/nicepeterThe man who fuses comedy, improvisation and crowd participation is coming back to the Mad Ferret! He is flying over for just this one date - his only UK performance of 2010. He is currently becoming a youtube phenomenon with some videos gaining over one million views. You can expect nakedness, drunkeness, laughter and freaky entertainment.

THE BLACK AND REDS (from Walsall)
http://www.myspace.com/theblackandredsThe Black And Reds are a bluesy rock and roll duo from the Midlands who have wowed Preston three times of late. Featuring a vocalist who also plays drums (stood up) they rattle through a powerful selection of crowd pleasing wonders. The drummer was actually crowned fastest drummer in the UK back in 2007.

THE LAZE (from Liverpool)
http://www.myspace.com/thelazeThe Laze return for their first Preston show of 2010. The fabulous post rock jazz band are firm favourites with HED and never fail to surprise with their innovative and wonderful soundscapes. Absolute masters of fusing brass instruments into epic post rock music.

HUMANFLY (from Leeds)
http://www.myspace.com/humanflyOpening the night we have a Preston debut for post rock legends Humanfly (signed to Brew Records). Ponderous Cult Of Luga-esque neo-prog mixed with Isis-ish post metal. Expect heavy, monolithic instrumental sounds that will take the hinges off the window frames.

Plus very special guests TBC. And a DJ set by Mr Gruffalo.

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All takes place at the Mad Ferret in Preston, Lancashire.

First band is on stage at 8.30pm precisely each night.

Doors open at 8pm. Entry to each event is £6.

Weekend tickets will be available for just £15.

Tickets will be available later this week from the Mad Ferret, Action Records and also online. Stay tuned for details.

We will also have a raffle to win merchandise from most/all the bands taking part!